“It feels so strange,” Hideki complained.

  “Do you want to quit?” Musashi asked.

  “No, Sensei,” Hideki said.

  “I once fought a left-handed swordsman. He came close to killing me,” Musashi said.

  “I had never heard that,” Hideki said. “He must’ve been a fine swordsman.”

  “He was an average swordsman.”

  “So how could he come close to killing you?” Hideki demanded.

  “All the techniques we practice all our lives are negated. A left-handed swordsman moves differently. You do not know what to expect. It is bizarre and frightening to fight a left-handed swordsman. It is dangerous,” Musashi, said shivering as he remembered.

  Hideki laughed. “That is what I wish to be—dangerous!”

  “Then you must practice to be dangerous. Now draw your sword.”

  Hideki did so tentatively. His draw was from sky to earth. The katana rests with the blade up inside the saya tucked in the obi. The cutting-edge of the blade points towards the sky. When a samurai draws, it is natural for the edge to cut the sky first as it clears the scabbard and then to cut downward as the ark completes.

  “Return it, and try not to lose any fingers,” Musashi said.

  Hideki slashed down with his left hand, an instinctual move to flick imaginary blood left on the blade. With his right hand he grasped the mouth of the scabbard just below its opening and pulled it up and outward. With his left hand, he brought the back of the katana where the tsuba hilt annexes the blade to meet the mouth of the scabbard. When they met, he used the area formed by his index finger and thumb on the right hand as a groove to guide the tip of the blade into the scabbard opening. Once the tip was safely inside the mouth of the scabbard, the movement reversed, and a razor-sharp blade moved into its hiding place.

  “This time, rotate the scabbard upside down to gain an earth-to-sky draw,” Musashi ordered.

  Hideki grasped the handle of the katana with his left hand and the scabbard with his right. He rotated the scabbard outward and almost upside down and drew the sword. This time the sword came out with the cutting-edge downward, cutting earth first and continued upward to cut sky.

  “It is a difficult cut,” Hideki said.

  “Yes, but not impossible,” Musashi said. “Return the sword.” Hideki complied.

  “Now, this time I want you to rotate the sword with your left hand as you grasp the handle for the draw. You’re right hand will have nothing to do,” Musashi instructed.

  Hideki understood the command. He reached with his left hand, grasped the handle of the katana at rest in the scabbard on his right side, twisted the handle outwardly, and made the earth to sky draw with one hand.

  Musashi had him practice the draw 100 times. When he was finished, the sun was high and the compound smoky with the breakfast cooking fires. Hideki felt confident for the first time in weeks.

  “Now I want you to execute the earth-to-sky draw as you have been doing, but I want your right hand to grasp the short sword and draw both swords at the same time. Do not cut off an arm!” Musashi said. “Take it slow at first.”

  Hideki drew slowly. He found he had to let his right hand tarry just long enough to allow the earth-to-sky draw with the left hand to begin. As soon as the katana started its deadly skyward arc, the short sword came out in a horizontal arc, cutting from left to right. Musashi had him practice this repeatedly.

  “It is an effective defense against a lunge or any attack except an overhead strike. With the overhead blow you will have to initiate the short sword first to allow a high deflection and then split him from crotch to eyeballs from below,” Musashi said as he demonstrated a lightning fast and fluid draw with both swords.

  “That is no fair,” Hideki said. “You drew from the normal side.”

  “Yes, young lord. But I am not crippled,” Musashi said.

  Hideki set himself and managed an almost flawless draw as a left-hander with both swords. “Neither am I,” he said.

  Chapter 27: End Game

  Edo was quiet for a change. The red sticks patrolled and administered the law with an even hand. Any suggestion of a bribe met with a firm refusal and a warning; the second offer of a bribe would land the briber in jail. Gradually, the word got around. There was a new way to do business. The police were not the enemy.

  Walking from the Hatchobori, Hideki stopped in front of a noodle stand. “Are you hungry for noodles?” he asked Myo.

  “Not really,” she responded. “But I’ll watch you eat.”

  As soon as they stepped out of the midday sun into the shade of the noodle shop, they were met with a loud, “Itashaimasine,” from the ever-busy Hana as she scurried from bench to bench with noodles and tea. When she recognized Hideki, she exclaimed “Oh, Uesama!” and bowed low.

  The small shop was crowded and noisy with slurping sounds, but all motions stopped. All eyes went to the newcomers as everyone wanted to see the man addressed as Uesama—a term reserved for the shogun.

  “Mate, you are mistaken. It is only I, Takezo, a lowly ronin come to eat the best noodles in Edo with my lovely companion Myo,” Hideki stated.

  The old man hurried out front to greet Hideki and Myo. He started bowing three steps away. “Welcome ronin Takezo and courier Myo.” He looked around and spied two spaces on the bench nearest the stoves. “Please sit here.” Then, turning to his daughter, “Hana, please get them some tea.”

  Hideki thanked him and the shop went back to the noise of slurping and small talk.

  Once seated, Hideki looked into Myo’s eyes. “I have not thanked you yet for saving my life,” he said with an air of formally.

  “There is no need,” she replied softly.

  Hana brought tea and giggled. “I am to be married,” she announced.

  “Hana, I am so happy for you,” Myo said. “Who is the lucky man?”

  “Lord Hideki knows him. He is Kimbei. He is a police officer at the Hatchobori. He carries one of the famous red sticks. He has been elevated to doshin.”

  “Omedito Hana; you are to be congratulated. I am very happy for you,” Hideki said.

  The beaming girl turned and departed to wipe down a spot on one of the benches just vacated.

  “Do you know the groom?” Myo asked.

  “Yes, he arrested Jubei and I the last time we were in here,” Hideki revealed.

  “Oh dear,” Myo said.

  “Not to worry, we are friends now. He was one of the few old police who was not corrupt.”

  Hana brought two bowls of noodles and placed them in front of the couple. She bowed and departed.

  “Looks like you get noodles whether you are hungry or not,” Hideki said.

  Hideki attempted to pick up his eating utensils with his right hand. He could trap the eating sticks with his thumb, but without feeling and strength in his index finger, he could not pick them up. He fumbled with it for a moment and gave up. Eventually he used his left hand.

  “Force of habit,” he said. “I keep hoping that feeling will return enough for me to do the normal things I used to take for granted.”

  Myo watched him pick up the eating sticks in his left hand and was impressed with his skill. He could feed himself. “You have become quite good with your left hand,” she complimented.

  Hideki blew on the tangle of hot noodles halfway to his mouth. “Of necessity,” he said, then opened his mouth and lightly placed the hot white noodles on his tongue, inhaling as he did, to slurp the tasty strings the rest of the way from the hot soup.

  After paying for the food above the old man’s protests, Hideki and Myo headed back to the Yoshinobu compound. Hideki avoided eye contact with all those that stared at him. Even the little children pointed and laughed.

  “Is it always like this?” she asked.

  “Yes. We Japanese don’t like things that are different.” Hideki touched the katana on his right side. “With the blade over here I am left handed and to be despised,” he said.

  “How does your practice go?”

  “Musashi has worked me harder than ever. He is an amazing man.”

  “Yes, I am so glad your paths crossed,” she said.

  “I shall miss him greatly,” he said.

  “Miss him? Where is he going?”

  “Where he was always destined to go—back on his quest. I can tell by his intensity with me that it is almost time to go. He wants to give me everything he has before he departs.”

  “What will you do when he is gone?” she asked.

  “I will try and remember what he taught me,” Hideki sighed, “and to follow the example he set. But I will still have Jubei and Yoshi to teach me new things.”

  “Has there been any word of the Fox Gang?” Myo asked

  “No, I think you broke their back, Myo.”

  “Let us hope so.”

  “I for one am extremely glad you did what you did. But there are some who question whether the explosion of a gold mine might have been a little extreme,” he said.

  Myo face hardened. “There is no such thing as being too extreme when you are wiping out vermin. They were evil. I only wish I had gotten that bird woman.”

  “The Yoshinobu are being summoned before the Roju and Tairo in two days’ time. This should be the visit that seals our future in Edo,” Hideki said.

  “I am happy for you, Hideki. Your future is our future now,” she said.

  “It was a strange summons. We are being asked to bring the red sticks and put on a demonstration of their use.”

  “I did not think weapons were allowed in the castle,” she said.

  “Only the castle guards may carry them. You remember Hittori Hanzo?”

  “Yes. I remember,” Myo replied. “I got the impression he wanted me dead.”

  “Well, that was then, and this is now. Things change.”

  “Speaking of change, my Lord Hideki, have you found a new room to lease for your evenings in Edo?” she asked with a tease her voice.

  “Yes, I have. I purchased a little bathhouse and hotel in the Nihonbashi area.”

  “Oh, you want to peek at all the naked women,” she challenged.

  “Only one.”

  “Then maybe you better take me there. Now your training must begin in earnest,” she said.

  Goro looked up in surprise. Four of the famous red sticks piled into his office and struck his companions on the head. They were not playing. The blows were to render unconscious or kill. Four Gumsumgumi dropped to the tatami mat. One required a second blow to ensure he stayed down.

  The man sitting to the right of Goro jumped to his feet and pulled a tanto from his kimono. The naked blade glistened in the candlelight. No one moved to intercept him. They had their orders.

  “By the gods, what is this?” Goro demanded. “You cannot come in here and strike my men. If this is an arrest, what are the charges?” he demanded.

  The large bulk of Nichi entered the room. “You are being charged with being disloyal to the Gumsumgumi,” Nichi stated.

  Goro laughed. “Look who is talking.”

  “Oh, I have honored my vows, Goro. I have done nothing to harm the Gumsumgumi. In fact, I have taken measures to elevate it now and in the future.”

  “Rubbish. You have gone traitor. You joined the government,” Goro accused.

  “Let us compare crimes, Oyabun Goro. I am now in charge of keeping the peace in Edo. That peace insures commerce. With commerce, everyone wins. The people of Edo win. They can work, live, and prosper. The government wins because when there is peace, things like schools, roads, and houses spring up. Even the Gumsumgumi win. You are free to apply your games of chance, your brothels, and drinking establishments. You make money. If you had accepted the path I put you on, you could have been a great man Goro. Instead, I find you with the likes of the Yamakai villain who is in the pay of the Fox Gang. You disappoint me, Goro,” Nichi said.

  “You lie. The Yamakai just want to elevate the gumi. They find your sleeping with the Tokugawa as distasteful as I do,” Goro said.

  Nichi continued. “The Yamakai are in bed with the Fox Gang. We raided their hideout last month and had a prisoner in the Hatchobori. The hideout was the Yamakai boat yard.”

  “You are making that up,” Goro said, but he sounded less sure of himself.

  “Goro, have you ever known me to lie?” Nichi asked.

  “You lied about being in the Gumsumgumi forever. You broke your oath to us,” Goro accused.

  “No, I did not. I may not be wearing the mon any longer, but I am still Gumsumgumi at heart.”

  “I do not see how any of us can trust you,” Goro complained.

  “Then look at it from a different direction, Goro. I can prove the Yamakai are in league with the Fox Gang. The Fox Gang is killing Tokugawa. If the Yamakai and Foxes get their way, your future is in jeopardy.”

  “You lie,” Goro repeated.

  “Have the Yamakai ever shared anything with any other group before?” Nichi asked.

  “No,” Goro had to admit.

  “Then why would they want to start sharing now?”

  “I do not know,” Goro said, seeing the logic in Nichi’s argument but not willing to admit a mistake. “Maybe they need our help.”

  “Use your head, Goro. The Yamakai-gumi use people and then throw them away. As soon as you have helped, you will die, as will the once-proud Gumsumgumi,” Nichi warned.

  Komeya no Toku, waving his knife at Nichi, spoke up. “He lies, Goro, just like he changed sides so quickly. He has no honor.”

  “Think back, Goro. Think back to when your head used to work. What were the Yamakai-gumi known for? Was it for good works? No. Was it for helping the people of Edo in any way? No. Was it for elevating the cause of gumi everywhere? No. What were they famous for?” Nichi asked loudly.

  “Making money,” Goro mumbled.

  “What was that, Oyabun Goro? I couldn’t hear you.” Nichi almost screamed.

  Goro found his voice. “They were good at making money.”

  “At whose expense?” Nichi asked.

  “At everyone’s,” Goro admitted.

  “Yes, everyone except themselves. What did they do the moment they knew we were arrested?” Nichi asked.

  “They took over our territory,” Goro said, eyeing Kameya no Toku with new suspicion.

  “And what did they do the moment you took the territory back?” Nichi asked.

  “They made peace,” Goro replied.

  “Yes, they agreed to all of your demands without argument. Do you think that is because they were afraid of you?” Nichi asked.

  “I do not know,” Goro said.

  “Did you not wonder why they agreed so easily?” Nichi asked.

  “Yes, I did wonder.”

  “Do you not now see, Goro, that they agreed to everything you presented because they knew if the Fox Gang was victorious, you and the Gumsumgumi would be eliminated next?” Nichi asked.

  Goro’s head was now down. “Yes, now I see.”

  “And who stirred up the recent riots, trying to execute an innocent wood carver?” Nichi asked. He could see the dawning of recognition and the old fire rising in Goro’s eyes.

  “The Yamakai,” Goro admitted. Now he took a step back from Kameya no Toku.

  Nichi pressed his point. “The Yamakai are a blight on society. They do not believe in honor. They do not have a code. Their code is money.”

  Goro was becoming flustered. “I thought they wanted to bring back the honor,” Goro pleaded. “He promised me we’d be great again.”

  “They were playing on your weakness, Goro. You are too trusting. They convinced you to betray me, the ronin Takezo, and Lady Myo. Would you have hurt Lady Myo if you were in your right mind, Goro?” Nichi asked.

  Goro bowed his head. “No. I would never hurt her.”

  “Well, you almost got her killed, Goro. And you almost got the Gumsumgumi wiped out,” Nichi accused.

  Goro shook his big head from side to side, his eyes beginning to water. “Never! I would never harm the Gumsumgumi!”

  “You let your dislike for the ronin Takezo cloud your judgment. He is really Yoshinobu Hideki, the younger brother of the man now magistrate of Edo, my new boss. My new boss is also being considered for shogun,” Nichi said.

  Goro’s eyes got very round. “Honto? Really?”

  “Yes honto, really. If he had been killed, and you had facilitated it while leading the Yamakai and setting him up for the Fox Gang, how much of a future do you think you and the Gumsumgumi would have?”

  Goro staggered back another step as Nichi’s accusations hammered him.

  “Luckily, Hideki does not hold a grudge. But he’s got every right to have you hunted and executed along with every last Gumsumgumi,” Nichi said.

  Goro looked up quickly, grasping at any out. “He does not hold a grudge?”

  “Not if I ask him not to. You see, Goro, while you are out to destroy the Gumsumgumi by backing trash like this,” pointing to the Yamakai leader holding the knife, “I am creating an alliance with the new government. We red sticks are indispensable to them.”

  “You are?” Goro asked.

  “Certainly. The Yoshinobu had to get rid of all the old corruption in order to restore order and justice. Whom did they turn to? They turned to the Gumsumgumi. I switched from our old life to this new one because I had to. I founded the Gumsumgumi to protect the people. It was never about money. If it had been, we would be as rich as a Yamakai. But you and I, Goro, built the Gumsumgumi around elevating the downtrodden. We swore to protect each other and the citizens of Edo. Yes, we made money. But we also lived by our code. We do not hurt the innocent. We protect the weak. Such is the real strength of the Gumsumgumi. Therefore, when I had the opportunity to tear down the corruption and replace it with the strength of the Gumsumgumi, I took it. It was my destiny. I created the Gumsumgumi to help the people. How much more can I help when I am responsible for the justice in Edo?” Nichi asked.

  Kameya no Toku sneered. “I hope you are not believing all these lies, Goro-san.” he pointed the naked blade at Nichi. “He is a traitor to the gumi cause. He cannot stand being gumi. He has to be important and keep you down.”